Table of Contents

Next JS Interview Questions & Answers (2024)

Next JS interview questions
Table of Contents

Are you a job seeker looking for a job as a Next.js developer? Do you want to show the interviewer you have the skills to do the job? You are in the right place. 

Many developers feel overwhelmed by job interviews. They often feel unprepared for the difficult questions that are asked. 

In this article, we will provide you with a list of common Next.js interview questions and answers. We will also give you tips on how to answer these questions confidently. This article is a great resource for anyone preparing for a Next.js interview.

Next JS Interview Questions: Beginner Level

If you are new to Next.js, these questions will help you prepare for a job interview. We’ll cover the basics so you can answer with confidence.

1) What is Next.js? How does it differ from React?

Next.js is an open-source web development framework built on top of React. It provides additional features such as server-side rendering (SSR) and static site generation (SSG) to enhance the performance and SEO of web applications. Unlike React, which is a JavaScript library for building user interfaces, Next.js offers a more comprehensive toolset that simplifies many tasks, such as routing and data fetching, making it easier to develop and deploy React-based applications.

2) Why choose Next.js over other React frameworks? Key advantages?

Next.js is chosen over other React frameworks due to its comprehensive set of features and ease of use. 

Key advantages include:

  • Server-Side Rendering (SSR): Next.js allows for server-side rendering, which improves page load times and enhances SEO by providing pre-rendered HTML to search engines.
  • Static Site Generation (SSG): It supports static site generation, which reduces server load and improves performance by pre-rendering pages at build time.
  • Built-in Routing: Next.js includes a built-in router, making it easy to create dynamic routes and handle navigation within the application.
  • Data Fetching Methods: It offers various data fetching methods, including getStaticProps and getServerSideProps, which allow for efficient data retrieval.
  • Image Optimization: Next.js includes built-in image optimization features, such as automatic compression and lazy loading, which improve page load times and user experience.

3) Explain the concept of server-side rendering (SSR) in Next.js. Why is it important?

Server-side rendering (SSR) in Next.js involves generating HTML on the server and sending it to the client, rather than rendering the entire page in the client’s browser. This approach is important because it:

  • Improves Page Load Times: SSR reduces the time it takes for the page to load, as the HTML is already generated and sent to the client.
  • Enhances SEO: Search engines can easily crawl and index pre-rendered HTML, improving the website’s visibility and ranking.
  • Improves Security: By rendering on the server, SSR prevents sensitive data from being exposed to the client, enhancing security.

4) How do you create a new Next.js application?

To create a new Next.js application, follow these steps:

  • Install Node.js: Ensure you have Node.js installed on your system.
  • Install Next.js: Run the command npx create-next-app@latest my-app in your terminal, replacing my-app with your desired application name.
  • Navigate to the Project: Change into the project directory using cd my-app.
  • Start the Development Server: Run npm run dev to start the development server.
  • Open the Application: Open your browser and navigate to http://localhost:3000 to view your application.

5) What are the different data fetching methods in Next.js? Explain with examples.

Next.js offers several data fetching methods to retrieve data efficiently:

getStaticProps: Used for pre-rendering pages at build time. Example:

javascript

export async function getStaticProps() {

  const res = await fetch(‘https://api.example.com/data’);

  const data = await res.json();

  return {

    props: { data }, // will be passed to the page component as props

  };

}

getServerSideProps: Used for rendering pages on the server at request time. Example:

javascript

export async function getServerSideProps(context) {

  const res = await fetch(‘https://api.example.com/data’);

  const data = await res.json();

  return {

    props: { data }, // will be passed to the page component as props

  };

}

useEffect: Used for fetching data on the client side. Example:

javascript

import { useState, useEffect } from ‘react’;

import axios from ‘axios’;

function MyPage() {

  const [data, setData] = useState(null);

  useEffect(() => {

    axios.get(‘https://api.example.com/data’)

      .then(response => setData(response.data));

  }, []);

  return (

    <div>

      {data ? (

        <p>Data: {data}</p>

      ) : (

        <p>Loading…</p>

      )}

    </div>

  );

}

6) Describe the role of the pages directory in a Next.js project.

The pages directory in a Next.js project is where you place your React components that will be rendered as pages. Each file in this directory represents a route in your application. For example, a file named about.js in the pages directory will be accessible at http://localhost:3000/about.

7) How do you implement client-side routing in Next.js?

To implement client-side routing in Next.js, you can use the Link component from next/link. This component allows you to create links that will change the URL without causing a full page reload. Example:

javascript

import Link from ‘next/link’;

function MyPage() {

  return (

    <div>

      <h1>My Page</h1>

      <Link href=”/about”>

        <a>About Page</a>

      </Link>

    </div>

  );

}

8) What is the purpose of the getStaticProps function?

The getStaticProps function is used to fetch data at build time and pass it to the page component as props. This allows for pre-rendering of pages with dynamic data. Example:

javascript

export async function getStaticProps() {

  const res = await fetch(‘https://api.example.com/data’);

  const data = await res.json();

  return {

    props: { data }, // will be passed to the page component as props

  };

}

9) Explain the difference between getStaticProps and getServerSideProps.

  • getStaticProps: Fetches data at build time and pre-renders pages. This method is useful for pages that do not need to change frequently.
  • getServerSideProps: Fetches data on the server at request time and re-renders pages. This method is useful for pages that need to be updated frequently.

10) How do you handle dynamic routes in Next.js?

To handle dynamic routes in Next.js, you can use the params object in the getStaticProps or getServerSideProps functions. Example:

javascript

export async function getStaticProps({ params }) {

  const res = await fetch(`https://api.example.com/${params.id}`);

  const data = await res.json();

  return {

    props: { data }, // will be passed to the page component as props

  };

}

11) What is the significance of the _app.js file?

The _app.js file in a Next.js project is used to wrap the entire application with a custom layout. This file is executed on every page load and allows you to define a common layout for your application. Example:

javascript

import App from ‘next/app’;

import ‘../styles/globals.css’;

function MyApp({ Component, pageProps }) {

  return (

    <div>

      <Component {…pageProps} />

    </div>

  );

}

export default MyApp;

12) How do you implement error handling in Next.js?

To implement error handling in Next.js, you can use the ErrorBoundary component. This component catches and handles errors that occur during the rendering of a page. Example:

javascript

import ErrorBoundary from ‘next/error-boundary’;

function MyPage() {

  throw new Error(‘This is an error!’);

}

export default function MyApp() {

  return (

    <ErrorBoundary>

      <MyPage />

    </ErrorBoundary>

  );

}

13) What are Next.js API routes? How do you create them?

Next.js API routes allow you to create serverless functions that can handle API requests. To create an API route, you can create a file in the pages/api directory. Example:

javascript

export default function handler(req, res) {

  if (req.method === ‘POST’) {

    // Handle POST requests

  } else {

    // Handle GET requests

  }

}

14) How do you style components in Next.js? What are the different options?

To style components in Next.js, you can use CSS files or CSS-in-JS solutions like styled-components or emotion. Example:

javascript

import styled from ‘styled-components’;

const MyButton = styled.button`

  background-color: #4CAF50;

  color: white;

  padding: 10px 20px;

  border: none;

  border-radius: 5px;

  cursor: pointer;

`;

function MyPage() {

  return (

    <div>

      <MyButton>Click me!</MyButton>

    </div>

  );

}

15) Explain the concept of image optimization in Next.js.

Image optimization in Next.js involves compressing and optimising images to improve page load times. Next.js includes built-in image optimization features, such as automatic compression and lazy loading. Example:

javascript

import Image from ‘next/image’;

function MyPage() {

  return (

    <div>

      <Image src=”/images/image.jpg” alt=”Image” width={500} height={300} />

    </div>

  );

}

These are the key concepts and interview questions for beginners in Next.js. By understanding these topics, you can effectively develop and deploy React-based applications using Next.js.

Great job! You know the basics. Now, let’s get into more difficult questions.

Next JS Interview Questions: Intermediate Level

Let’s take it up a notch. These questions are for people who have some experience with Next.js. We’ll talk about more complex ideas you might need to know for a job.

1) What is code splitting? How does Next.js handle it?

Code splitting is the process of breaking the application’s JavaScript bundle into smaller chunks. This allows the browser to load only the necessary code for the initial page load, leading to faster load times. Next.js automatically handles code splitting for you. It splits the code into smaller chunks and loads them on-demand as the user navigates through the application. This is done through Webpack’s dynamic imports feature. Next.js analyses the dependencies of each page and splits the code accordingly. This results in faster initial load times and improved overall performance.

2) Discuss the various deployment options for Next.js applications.

Next.js offers several deployment options to suit different needs:

Static Site Generation (SSG)

Next.js allows you to pre-render pages at build time and serve them as static HTML files. This is ideal for content-heavy websites that don’t require much dynamic data. The static files can be hosted on a CDN for fast delivery.

Server-Side Rendering (SSR)

Next.js can render pages on the server and send the fully rendered HTML to the client. This is useful for applications that require dynamic data or need to optimise for search engines.

Serverless Deployment

Next.js supports deploying the application as a serverless function, where each page is deployed as a separate function. This allows for scalable and cost-effective hosting on platforms like AWS Lambda, Google Cloud Functions, or Vercel.

Hybrid Approach

Next.js allows mixing static and server-side rendered pages within the same application. This provides the benefits of both approaches, where static pages can be served quickly, and dynamic pages can be rendered on the server.

3) How do you implement pre-rendering in Next.js?

Next.js provides two forms of pre-rendering: Static Site Generation (SSG) and Server-Side Rendering (SSR).

Static Site Generation (SSG)

To implement SSG, you use the getStaticProps function in your page component. This function runs at build time and fetches the necessary data to pre-render the page as static HTML.

Server-Side Rendering (SSR)

To implement SSR, you use the getServerSideProps function in your page component. This function runs on the server for each request and fetches the necessary data to render the page.

Next.js automatically determines the appropriate pre-rendering strategy based on the data requirements of each page. This allows you to mix and match static and server-rendered pages within the same application.

4) Explain the Next.js file system-based routing system.

Next.js uses the file system to automatically generate routes for your application. The pages in the pages directory are mapped directly to routes. For example, a file named about.js in the pages directory will be accessible at the /about route.

Next.js also supports dynamic routes, where the file name can contain square brackets to represent dynamic segments. For example, a file named [id].js in the pages directory will match routes like /1, /abc, or /my-page.

This file system-based routing system makes it easy to manage and organise your application’s structure, and it eliminates the need for a separate routing configuration file.

5) What are Next.js middlewares? How do you use them?

Next.js middlewares are functions that run before a request is handled by a page or an API route. They allow you to modify the incoming request or the outgoing response. Middlewares are defined in the middleware.js file in the root of your Next.js project.

To use a middleware, you export a function from the middleware.js file, and Next.js will automatically apply it to all incoming requests. Within the middleware function, you can access the request and response objects and perform various operations, such as authentication, logging, or modifying the response.

Middlewares in Next.js are a powerful feature that allows you to extend the functionality of your application and handle cross-cutting concerns at the middleware level, rather than in individual page components.

6) How do you implement authentication and authorization in Next.js?

There are several ways to implement authentication and authorization in a Next.js application:

Server-Side Authentication

You can handle authentication on the server-side using the getServerSideProps function. This allows you to check the user’s authentication status and pass the necessary data to the client-side components.

Client-Side Authentication

You can also implement authentication on the client-side using tools like Next-Auth.js or custom solutions. These approaches typically involve managing the user’s session and authentication state in the browser.

Authorization

For authorization, you can use the getServerSideProps or getStaticProps functions to check the user’s permissions and render the appropriate content or redirect them to an error page.

Next.js provides the flexibility to choose the authentication and authorization approach that best meets your application’s requirements.

7) Discuss the concept of Incremental Static Regeneration (ISR)

Incremental Static Regeneration (ISR) is a feature in Next.js that allows you to update static pages after build time. With ISR, you can specify a revalidation time for a page, and Next.js will automatically regenerate the page’s content at that interval.

This is useful for pages that need to be updated frequently, but don’t require full server-side rendering. ISR allows you to maintain the performance benefits of static site generation while ensuring that the content stays up-to-date.

To implement ISR, you use the revalidate option in the getStaticProps function. This tells Next.js how often (in seconds) to regenerate the page’s content.

8) What is the purpose of the next/head component?

The next/head component in Next.js allows you to manage the <head> section of your HTML document. This is useful for setting meta tags, title, and other elements that should be included in the document’s <head> section.

By using the next/head component, you can easily update the <head> section of your pages, which is important for tasks like:

  • Setting the page title
  • Adding meta tags for SEO and social media
  • Including custom stylesheets or scripts
  • Specifying the viewport settings

The next/head component ensures that the changes you make to the <head> section are properly applied and optimised for server-side rendering and client-side navigation.

9) How do you internationalise (i18n) a Next.js application?

Next.js provides built-in support for internationalisation (i18n) through the next.config.js file. You can configure the supported locales, the default locale, and the directory structure for your translations.

To implement i18n in a Next.js application, you can follow these steps:

  • Configure the i18n settings in the next.config.js file.
  • Create a directory structure to store your translation files (e.g., locales/en.json, locales/fr.json).
  • Use the useRouter hook from next/router to access the current locale and switch between locales.
  • Utilise the next/translate utility to fetch and render the appropriate translations in your components.

Next.js handles the routing and URL generation for the different locales, making it easy to create a multilingual application.

10) Explain the Next.js data fetching strategy for hybrid applications.

Next.js supports a hybrid approach to data fetching, allowing you to mix static and server-side rendered pages within the same application. This is achieved through the getStaticProps and getServerSideProps functions.

Static Site Generation (SSG)

For pages that can be pre-rendered at build time, you use the getStaticProps function. This function runs at build time and fetches the necessary data to generate the page’s content as static HTML.

Server-Side Rendering (SSR)

For pages that require dynamic data or server-side processing, you use the getServerSideProps function. This function runs on the server for each request and fetches the necessary data to render the page.

Next.js automatically determines the appropriate data fetching strategy based on the requirements of each page. This allows you to create a hybrid application that combines the performance benefits of static site generation with the flexibility of server-side rendering.

11) How do you optimise performance in a Next.js application?

There are several ways to optimise the performance of a Next.js application:

Code Splitting

Next.js automatically handles code splitting, splitting the application’s JavaScript bundle into smaller chunks and loading them on-demand. This improves the initial load time.

Image Optimization

Next.js provides the next/image component, which automatically optimises images by resizing, compressing, and serving them from a CDN.

Lazy Loading

You can use the dynamic import function to lazy-load components or modules, reducing the initial bundle size.

Caching

Next.js supports various caching strategies, such as Incremental Static Regeneration (ISR) and server-side caching, to improve the performance of dynamic content.

Minification and Compression

Next.js automatically minifies and compresses the application’s assets, reducing the overall file size and improving load times.

By leveraging these performance optimization techniques, you can ensure that your Next.js application delivers a fast and efficient user experience.

12) What is the role of the next.config.js file?

The next.config.js file in a Next.js project is a configuration file that allows you to customise various aspects of your application. Some of the key uses of the next.config.js file include:

Environment Variables

You can define environment variables in the next.config.js file and access them throughout your application.

Webpack Configuration

You can extend the default Webpack configuration used by Next.js to add custom loaders, plugins, or other Webpack-specific settings.

Rewrites and Redirects

You can configure URL rewrites and redirects in the next.config.js file to handle custom routing scenarios.

Internationalisation (i18n)

You can configure the supported locales and other i18n settings in the next.config.js file.

Performance Optimizations

You can enable performance-related features, such as Incremental Static Regeneration (ISR) or serverless deployment, in the next.config.js file.

The next.config.js file is a powerful tool for customising and extending the behaviour of your Next.js application to suit your specific requirements.

13) Discuss how you would structure a large-scale Next.js project.

When structuring a large-scale Next.js project, it’s important to maintain a clean and organised codebase. Here’s a suggested approach:

Separate Concerns

Divide your application into logical modules or domains, such as pages, components, services, and utilities. This helps keep your codebase modular and maintainable.

Utilise the File System Routing

Leverage Next.js’s file system-based routing to organise your pages. Group related pages in directories to keep the structure intuitive.

Implement a Shared Components Library

Create a shared components library to encapsulate reusable UI elements and logic. This promotes consistency and reduces duplication across the application.

Manage State with a State Management Library

For complex state management, consider using a state management library like Redux or MobX. This helps organise and centralise the application’s state.

Separate API Calls into Services

Encapsulate API calls and data fetching logic in dedicated service modules. This keeps your page components focused on rendering and reduces duplication.

Utilise Environment-specific Configuration

Use the next.config.js file to manage environment-specific configurations, such as API endpoints or feature flags.

Implement Automated Testing

Set up a comprehensive testing suite, including unit tests, integration tests, and end-to-end tests, to ensure the application’s stability and reliability.

By following these principles, you can create a scalable and maintainable Next.js project that can accommodate the needs of a large-scale application.

14) How do you integrate a headless CMS with Next.js?

Integrating a headless CMS with a Next.js application is a common requirement. Here’s a general approach:

Choose a Headless CMS

Select a headless CMS provider, such as Contentful, Sanity, or Prismic, that offers a content API and integrates well with Next.js.

Fetch Content in Next.js

Use the getStaticProps or getServerSideProps functions to fetch content from the headless CMS API and pass it as props to your page components.

Render Content in Components

In your page components, use the content fetched from the headless CMS to render the appropriate UI elements, such as pages, articles, or product listings.

Implement Preview Mode

Set up a “preview mode” in Next.js to allow content editors to preview unpublished content changes before they go live.

Handle Content Updates

Leverage features like Incremental Static Regeneration (ISR) to automatically update the pre-rendered pages when the content in the headless CMS changes.

By integrating a headless CMS with Next.js, you can create a powerful and flexible content management solution that combines the benefits of static site generation and dynamic content delivery.

15) Explain the concept of “preview mode” in Next.js.

The “preview mode” in Next.js is a feature that allows you to preview unpublished content or changes before they are made live. This is particularly useful when integrating a headless CMS with your Next.js application.

To implement preview mode, you can follow these steps:

  • Set up a preview API route in your Next.js application that can handle the preview requests.
  • Configure the preview mode settings in the next.config.js file, such as the secret token used to authenticate the preview requests.
  • In your page components, use the usePreview hook from next/preview to detect if the page is being viewed in preview mode and fetch the appropriate content.
  • Provide a way for content editors to trigger the preview mode, such as a “Preview” button in the CMS interface.

When a content editor triggers the preview mode, Next.js will use the preview API route to fetch the unpublished content and render the page in the preview mode. This allows the content editor to review the changes before publishing them to the live site.

Preview mode is a powerful feature that enhances the collaboration between developers and content editors, making it easier to manage and preview content changes in a Next.js application.

Did you get those answers right? Let’s see how well you know some advanced Next.js topics.

Next JS Interview Questions: Advanced Level

These questions are for Next.js experts. They are about more difficult parts of Next.js that you might need to know for a senior job.

1) Discuss the Next.js build process and its output.

Next.js uses a build process that optimises your React application for production. It bundles your JavaScript, CSS, and other assets. It also creates an optimised folder (out directory or .next in older versions) with different files for each page/route in your application. These files include static HTML, pre-rendered JavaScript bundles, and any required assets like images or fonts. This output is designed for efficient hosting and quick loading on the user’s browser.

2) How does Next.js handle environment variables?

Next.js lets you use environment variables to store sensitive or configuration data that you don’t want to hardcode in your source files. You can create a .env file at the root of your project, and Next.js will automatically load these variables into your application. Prefix variables you want available on the client-side with NEXT_PUBLIC_. Be sure to add your .env file to your .gitignore to keep it out of version control.

3) Explain the concept of server components in Next.js.

Server components are a feature in Next.js (v13 and later) that allows you to run parts of your application on the server instead of the client’s browser. This can be beneficial for several reasons:

  • Improved Performance: Certain operations might be faster or more efficient to run on the server.
  • Data Fetching: Server components can directly access databases or APIs without needing to send extra data to the client.
  • Security: Sensitive operations can be handled on the server, away from the prying eyes of client-side code.

You can create server components by adding the “use client” directive at the top of your client components.

4) Discuss the different strategies for data fetching and caching in complex scenarios.

Next.js offers multiple ways to fetch data:

  • getServerSideProps: Fetches data on each request. Good for personalised data.
  • getStaticProps: Fetches data at build time. Great for static sites or pages that don’t change often.
  • getStaticPaths: Generates static pages for dynamic routes (e.g., /posts/[id]).
  • Client-side Fetching: For fetching data after the initial page load.

Caching strategies include:

  • In-Memory Caching: Store data temporarily in the application’s memory.
  • Redis/Memcached: Distributed caching solutions for large-scale applications.
  • Incremental Static Regeneration (ISR): Update static pages on a schedule or after a specific event.

5) How would you implement a real-time feature in a Next.js application?

You can use WebSockets or libraries like Socket.IO to create a persistent connection between your Next.js application and the server. This allows the server to push updates to the client in real time. You’d need to set up a WebSocket server (or use a service like Pusher) and have your Next.js app listen for events and update the UI accordingly.

6) Explain how you would optimise the build size of a Next.js application.

  • Code Splitting: Only load the JavaScript and CSS that’s needed for the current page.
  • Image Optimization: Use modern image formats (WebP) and responsive image sizes.
  • Minification: Reduce the size of your JavaScript and CSS files.
  • Tree Shaking: Remove unused code from libraries.
  • Dynamic Imports: Load components lazily on demand.
  • Analyse Bundle: Use tools like webpack-bundle-analyzer to identify large dependencies.

7) Discuss the differences between client-side and server-side cookies in Next.js.

  • Client-side Cookies: Stored in the user’s browser. Good for storing preferences. Use the js-cookie library.
  • Server-side Cookies: Stored on the server. Better for sensitive information. Next.js provides helper functions to manage these.

8) How do you implement a custom server in Next.js?

You can create a custom server in Next.js using Node.js and Express (or other frameworks). This gives you full control over the server-side behaviour of your application.

JavaScript

const express = require(‘express’);

const next = require(‘next’);

const dev = process.env.NODE_ENV !== ‘production’;

const app = next({ dev });

const handle = app.getRequestHandler();

app.prepare().then(() => {

  const server = express();

  // Add your custom routes here

  server.all(‘*’, (req, res) => {

    return handle(req, res);

  });

  server.listen(3000, () => {

    console.log(‘> Ready on http://localhost:3000’);

  });

});

9) Discuss the security best practices for Next.js applications.

  • Input Validation: Validate user input to prevent Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks.
  • Authentication and Authorization: Use robust methods to verify users and protect sensitive routes/data.
  • Secure Cookies: Use HTTPS and set secure and httpOnly flags for cookies.
  • CSRF Protection: Use CSRF tokens to prevent cross-site request forgery.
  • Regular Updates: Keep Next.js and its dependencies up-to-date.
  • Content Security Policy (CSP): Define a strict CSP to prevent script injection attacks.

10) How do you troubleshoot common issues in Next.js development?

  • Check the console: Browser console errors and warnings often point to the source of the issue.
  • Clear cache: Run npm run build or yarn build to clear the cache and rebuild your application.
  • Check Network Tab: Ensure data is being fetched correctly and there are no 404 errors.
  • Inspect Server Logs: Look for errors or warnings in the server logs.
  • Community and Documentation: The Next.js community and official documentation are excellent resources.

You’re doing great! Before we finish, let’s look at some questions about how you would act in certain situations.

Next JS Interview Questions: Behavioral & Situational

Interviews for Next.js roles often involve questions that test your technical knowledge and assess how you approach real-world scenarios. Here are some common questions and effective ways to answer them:

1) Describe a challenging Next.js project you worked on. How did you overcome obstacles?

In a recent project, we needed to build a large e-commerce site with complex product filtering. The main challenge was optimising the filtering for speed and responsiveness. To solve this, I used Next.js’s API Routes to create server-side filtering logic. This reduced the data sent to the client, making the filtering much faster. I also implemented incremental static regeneration to keep the product data fresh.

Key points:

Briefly describe the project’s goal and the specific challenge.

Focus on your actions and solutions.

Show how you used Next.js features to your advantage.

2) How do you stay updated with the latest Next.js features and best practices?

I follow the official Next.js blog and Twitter account closely. I also subscribe to newsletters from Vercel (the company behind Next.js) and other React/JavaScript communities. I like to experiment with new features in small personal projects to learn how they work.

Key points:

  • Demonstrate your initiative in learning.
  • Mention specific resources you use.
  • Highlight your willingness to try new things.

3) Share your experience working with a team on a Next.js project.

In a recent project, I collaborated with two other developers and a designer to create a company blog. We used Git for version control and had daily stand-up meetings to discuss progress and challenges. I was responsible for the main blog layout and dynamic routing, while the other developers focused on specific components and API integrations. We worked together to review code and ensure consistency.

Key points:

  • Emphasise teamwork and collaboration.
  • Mention tools and processes used for communication.
  • Highlight your specific role and contributions.

4) How would you handle a situation where a Next.js component is not rendering correctly?

First, I’d check the browser console for any error messages. Next, I’d use React Developer Tools to inspect the component’s props and state to see if they are as expected. If the issue is data-related, I’d check the API response or data fetching logic. If the problem persists, I’d isolate the component to see if it works in isolation. I might also ask a colleague for a second opinion.

Key points:

  • Show a methodical approach to debugging.
  • Mention the tools you would use.
  • Demonstrate your willingness to seek help if needed.

5) Discuss your approach to optimising the performance of a slow Next.js page.

I’d start by profiling the page using Chrome DevTools to identify bottlenecks. Common issues include large images, unnecessary JavaScript bundles, and slow API requests. To address these, I’d optimise images using next/image, use code splitting to load only necessary scripts, and consider caching API responses on the server or client-side. I’d also look into pre-rendering or incremental static regeneration for faster initial page loads.

Key points:

  • Explain your strategy for identifying and addressing performance issues.
  • Mention specific optimization techniques relevant to Next.js.
  • Show that you understand the trade-offs of different optimization approaches.

You’ve seen a lot of questions! Let’s go over some tips to help you do your best in a Next.js interview.

Tips for Next JS Interview Success

You can get ready for your Next.js interview. We’ll share some advice to help you do well and show what you know.

tips Next JS interview success

1) Research the company and its tech stack.

Look at the company’s website and LinkedIn page. They often list the technologies they use. Find out if they use Next.js for their products or services. This helps you understand what they need from a Next.js developer. Read about the company’s mission and values. Show you know their goals in the interview.

2) Prepare a portfolio of Next.js projects.

Show your best work in a portfolio. Include projects that use Next.js features. Have a live demo or GitHub link for each project. Talk about what you learned from each project. Explain how you solved problems.

3) Practice coding challenges and problem-solving using iScalePro.

iScalePro is a good tool to practise for technical interviews. Use it to solve Next.js-related problems. Do timed challenges to improve your speed. Understand the core concepts of Next.js. Explain your thought process when you solve problems.

4) Be ready to discuss your past experiences and technical skills.

Think about your past jobs and projects. Talk about the skills you used with Next.js. Give examples of how you solved problems and worked with others. Be ready to answer questions about your work. Explain your technical skills clearly. Show your knowledge of Next.js features and tools.

Conclusion

You now know more about the kind of questions asked in Next.js interviews. Remember, practice makes perfect. Use what you learned here and try answering the questions out loud. 

Better yet, use iScalePro to practise your interview skills. You can find mock interviews and other resources to help you get ready. With the right preparation, you can get the job you want!

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